Al-Shabab terror group names new leader

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A commander of the Somali-based extremist group, al-Shabab, says a new leader has been appointed following Monday's killing of Ahmed Abdi Godane in a U.S. airstrike.

Abu Mohammed said Saturday that the militants unanimously decided that their new leader is Abu Ubeid Ahmed Omar.

Godane and other al-Shabab officials were killed by a U.S. airstrike Monday hit the car in which he was traveling. The attack took place 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Mogadishu, where al-Shabab trains its fighters.

President Barack Obama confirmed Friday that Godane was killed by the U.S. airstrike. The U.S. State Department declared al-Shabab a terrorist organization in February 2008.

Meanwhile, Somalia's government has credible intelligence that Islamic militants are planning attacks following the death of Godane.

In a televised speech Friday night, Gen. Khalif Ahmed Ereg, Somalia's national security minister, said targets including medical and educational institutions could be targeted. Ereg says the government is vigilant and prepared its armed forces to prevent such attacks.

Godanehad publicly claimed al-Shabab was responsible for the deadly Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya almost a year ago that left 67 people dead.

Ereg described the killing of Godane as "delightful victory." He called on militants still fighting for the Al-Qaeda linked group to surrender to get a "brighter" livelihood from the government.